Jazz partnership with KCNR 1320 is official
The Utah Jazz and KCNR 1320 AM made their new broadcasting partnership official Wednesday.
The NBA team and Citadel Communications Corp., owner of KCNR, issued a joint press release, announcing that they've signed a multi-year deal making KCNR the Jazz's flagship station. KCNR will broadcast all Jazz games, as well as Jazz pregame and postgame shows and Jazz Talk.
This deal comes close on the heels of a recent split between the Jazz and their longtime flagship station, Sports Radio 570 AM (KISN).
"We're excited to be aligned with a dynamic radio partner that understands sports and radio broadcasting in this area," said Randy Rigby, Jazz vice president for broadcasting. "Citadel and KCNR radio will be a great partner in our ever-expanding radio coverage, and we're really excited about teaming up with them."
In addition to KCNR, Citadel also operates KUBL 93.3, KBEE 98.7, KBER 101.1, and KAPN 860 AM, which broadcast Utah Grizzlies games last season. Citadel operates 34 stations nationwide.
Jazz general manager Tim Howells said recently that KCNR would be an all-sports station, putting it in direct competition with KISN, but Stuart Stanek, Citadel's vice president of operations, said precise programming is yet to be determined.
"We're evaluating options that the agreement with the Jazz brings us," Stanek said. "We're thrilled to become broadcast partners with the most important sports franchise in Utah. It's an incredible boost to our stations, and especially 1320 KCNR. It's an exciting time for all of us at Citadel."
Stanek pointed out that KCNR already has a worldwide web page with real-time audio, so Jazz games can be heard this season around the world on the internet.
KCNR will also carry national NBA game of the week broadcasts.
- Rich Evans
Rock on vacation
Deseret News sports columnist Brad Rock is on vacation. His column will resume on Tuesday, July 16.
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